Oral history interview with Heidi and Scott Swank conducted by Claytee D. White on July 28, 2014 and October 13, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Heidi talks about forming the Nevada Preservation Foundation, her anthropological research in India, and her run for the Nevada Legislature representing Assembly District 16. The Swanks discuss the Downtown Project, the Flamingo Club, their 1956 house in the John S. Park neighborhood, and their neighbors.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with S. J. Johnson conducted by Claytee D. White on May 24, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Johnson discusses his early life in Indianapolis, Indiana and living on his family's farm. He recalls joining the United States Air Force, adjusting to life outside of the family farm, and experiencing discrimination while serving. Johnson talks about being stationed in Panama, joining the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), and becoming a military officer. Later, Johnson discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1982, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and obtaining his teaching license. Lastly, Johnson talks about the importance of education.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with D. D. (Ethel Dolores) Cotton conducted by Claytee White on February 14, 1997 and March 21, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. In this interview, Cotton discusses the beginnings of her dance career in New York City, New York. Later in the interview, Cotton discusses working in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Cotton Club and her interactions with other African American entertainers. Cotton also discusses race relations and her experiences as an African American dancer in Las Vegas. Cotton later goes on to discuss her career change in the service industry.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Juan Saa conducted by David G. Schwartz on November 21, 2016 for the Slot Operations Oral History Project. Saa discusses his start in the technical side and his eventual move into an operational role in the casino industry. He talks about his experience as a director, specifically the responsibilities involved, and the type of staff being supervised. Saa then describes what he believes are the biggest changes in the slot industry, specifically with ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO); and slot analysis.
Archival Collection